Talent gives a team a starting point. Beyond that you have to keep the players, keep them eligible and healthy, coach them up, get players matched up with positions where they can excel, and get some luck.
I am totally convinced that the number of stars, and rating services in general, are way over rated. They exist to get money from fans. There is not that much difference between a 5* and a 4*, it is subjective, and doesn't reflect character, hard work, and "good fit" for a system.
The main problem with the-coach-whose-name-shall-not-be-mentioned is how he recruited. "Come play AT Nebraska and I can get you to the League", flashing his last place super bowl ring. He got INDIVIDUALS with great potential, instead of team mates. When things go OK (2006) it works. When stressed, it crumbles into individuals bickering and finger pointing like last year.